Decorating & Design
The City Column: What To Do In Palm Beach, Florida
Published on January 9, 2025
Sunshine, lush gardens and bright pops of color — a visit to Palm Beach, Fla., is a perfect winter getaway. Explore historical hotels, hot new restaurants and a wealth of interior design shops while getting some vitamin D.
Check out our guide to Palm Beach!
Where to Stay:
New: White Elephant Palm Beach
This sunny outpost of the popular Nantucket resort opened in 2020, taking over the landmark Bradley Park Hotel, which first opened in 1924. The 32-room boutique hotel boasts Mediterranean Revival architecture combined with neutral furniture, splashes of green from vibrant plants and a diverse collection of art pieces. Enjoy the pool or grab beach chairs for an oceanside perch. Bikes and a courtesy car are also available.
280 Sunset Ave.
Classic: The Colony
This hotel is iconic, thanks in no small part to its memorable design. Think old-school Florida — bright pinks, palm trees and the right kind of kitsch. Each of the 89 rooms is uniquely decorated with retro colors and floral patterns by Kemble Interiors. There’s a beach butler on call to set up that perfect place to soak in the sun, as well as cruiser bikes, a beach buggy (it’s like an extra-large golf cart) and car options to help you get around. Don’t miss the pool if relaxing is top priority.
155 Hammon Ave.
Where to Eat
New: Harry’s
We’ve been going to the Manhattan Harry’s to enjoy steak and martinis for decades. This new Palm Beach location fits seamlessly into the city’s old-schoolvibe. Slide into a leather booth or opt for a table on the patio and indulge in classic, 1970s-style
dishes including a wedge salad, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Trout Devilled Eggs and towers of onion rings. You’ll find eight options for steak lovers, from filet mignon to porterhouse.
384 South Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
Classic: Renato’s
An Italian resto that’s a favorite for locals celebrating special occasions. Start with Foie Gras in Padella or roasted Sicilian artichokes in a garlic-Parmesan broth, then indulge in homemade ravioli or osso bucco, and leave room for the famous semifreddo cake topped with frozen espresso mousse. For a romantic dinner, book a table under a canopy of flowers on the terrace.
87 Via Mizner
What to See
New: Norton Museum of Art
After a recent expansion that includes 12,000 additional square feet of exhibition space, this revitalized museum is welcoming back art lovers. This season’s exhibitions include Dragons: Commanders of Rain, two embroidered Chinese court robes and a Japanese print based on a painting by master artist Yan Hui, and works by Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida.
1450 South Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach
Classic: Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
The former residence of sculptor Ann Weaver Norton is now a home for many of her sculptures, plus a stunning horticultural design by Sir Peter Smithers. Nine garden sculptures and 100 works of art are dotted throughout the property, and you can visit Ann’s studio to discover models of her imposing brick and granite pieces. The historical building houses a gallery — this winter, see Gold Coast, a collection of Slim Aarons photography and archival pieces from his Florida shoots.
253 Barcelona Rd., West Palm Beach
Where to Shop: Hive Home, Gift & Garden
This store is a Palm Beach staple. Find light, bright and floral furniture, decorating accents and unique pieces for entertaining.
424 Palm St., West Palm Beach
Pieces from Mecox’s furniture collection, in tropical materials including rattan, rope and teak, add warmth to any room.
3171 South Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach
At Casa Gusto, explore a curated collection of antique furniture, with pieces from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as colorful handcrafted dishes and objets from Mexico and France.
6316 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach
Linens is a specialist in luxury linens. The fourth-generation family business is a Florida institution.
210 North Clematis St., West Palm Beach
Visit here for a treasure trove of statement pieces, from bold wallpaper to lighting with flair.
294 Hibiscus Ave.
Ballard Designs has a full offering of European-style housewares including furniture, drapes, art and accents.
2916 South Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach
House & Home